Why Elope?
Choosing whether or not to elope can be a difficult decision. It really comes down to what is best for you and your partner. What aspects of a wedding are most important to you? What will make the wedding perfect for you as a couple? There are no right or wrong answers! Everyone deserves a wedding day that is ideal for them-be it an elopement or a traditional wedding. If you’re on the fence, here are our top reasons why you should elope:
It’s an intimate experience for the two of you
You have a LOT more time to spend with your partner when you elope. It can be quite difficult to find even a brief moment alone with your partner on a typical wedding day because there is so much going on. Time passes quickly when a hundred people are competing for your attention! If you elope, you’re able to spend the entire day with your love.
Your wedding should be an expression of your love for one another and your aspirations for your future life together. When you elope, there aren’t any interruptions, tension, drama, regrets, or expectations—just two people vowing to be together for the rest of their lives.
Eloping reduces costs and waste significantly
Often the number one reason to elope is financial. The average cost of a wedding in 2022 was around $30,000! No one wants to shell out what can be the equivalent of a house deposit for one day in their lives. This is especially true for couples who have been living together, already share a child, or are not on their first marriage.
Weddings generate a lot of waste as well. An average of 400–600 pounds of garbage can be produced for a wedding with a guest list of about 100–120 individuals! It seems unbelievable, but it can build up surprisingly quickly between invitations, name cards, programs, leftover food, gift wrapping, décor, disposable dishes, etc. Elopements are not only less expensive, but they are also better for the environment.
Expectations, obligations, and stress are eliminated by eloping
Wedding planning can be tremendously hectic and stressful! It’s simply too much for some people to organize a party for hundreds of guests. Planning your wedding shouldn’t be a nightmare or something you “can’t wait to be over” because of unnecessary stress. It’s possible to completely enjoy the experience, by considering an elopement. Elopements aren’t hurried, anxious occasions. They allow you to be totally present during your day because they are laid-back and easygoing.
Elopements also give you the freedom to ignore any obligations or expectations that other people may have for your wedding day. (Unfortunately, there will always be someone who will think your decision is the wrong one.) When you elope, your wedding day truly becomes about celebrating you and your partner, not what everyone else wants.
Eloping also avoids any family conflict that might arise on your special day. Not everyone has family members with whom they feel comfortable or supported, which isn’t what you want on your wedding day. Couples should feel fully at ease while exchanging their vows and celebrating the beginning of their lives together. It’s ok to elope even if you have a family that makes you feel completely secure and there is no concern about possible disagreements. Just remember, this is about you and your partner!
Eloping helps to avoid the “wedding day blur”
How many times have you heard someone say that their wedding day flew by? This is a common occurrence for couples, in fact, many claim they don’t remember saying their vows! It can be very difficult to concentrate and form long-lasting memories when there is a deluge of distractions. From taking photos, visiting with guests, and trying to find a moment to eat, it’s understandable that the day can feel like a blur. But this doesn’t have to be the case! Instead, it can be a day of intentionality and intimacy that is centered on cherishing your love and connection. Eloping enables you to enjoy every moment and event that your wedding day has to offer while being totally present.
Flexibility for your dream location
If you could go anywhere in the world, what would that look like? What does a “perfect day” entail for you and your spouse? Would it be hiking or spending time in nature? What about eating a delicious meal or taking a cooking class? Perhaps there’s a location you’ve been itching to explore or a place that is meaningful to you and your partner that you’d like to revisit. The opportunities are endless when you elope.
While it may not be possible (or affordable) to have a traditional, large wedding in a far-off location, eloping can make it a reality for the two of you. Not to mention you can continue the celebration by starting your honeymoon in your dream destination!
Eloping prioritizes adventure and experiences
Adventure is what life is all about. Why not have an exciting day filled with new experiences to begin your marriage? It’s not necessary to have a traditional wedding just because it seems like what you have to do. An elopement can be ideal for you if you continually seek out thrills and dream of having new experiences.
